Edison, Woodbridge, Toms River, NJ Mold Removal & Mold Remediation

Is Mold Testing Really Necessary?

2026-09-16T00:00:00.05Z

The answer to the question of “is mold testing necessary” may be more nuanced than many people assume. There are some experts who believe it is, and others who will tell you it isn’t always necessary. It is important to understand why people have mixed opinions on this very important matter.

Those in favor of mold testing argue that it can help identify the presence and type of mold in a home or building. Homes in New Jersey can contain many different types of molds, including common varieties such as Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria. The type and amount of mold can vary depending on moisture levels, water damage, humidity, ventilation, and the materials present in the home. Proponents believe that knowing what kind of mold you have can be important.

Those who do not favor mold testing believe that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary because all molds should be removed no matter the type. There are currently no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other federal limits on mold growth. That means mold testing cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards. They believe that if you see mold, it must be removed; knowing how much mold, or the variety, is superfluous.

While black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is commonplace in the press, other indoor mold growth is potentially dangerous as well. As many of us know from the news, black mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, humid areas, especially where there has been water damage. Exposure to it can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs and may worsen allergies or asthma in some people. Prolonged exposure can contribute to even greater health problems. While this is certainly true, other molds can have the same effect on people.

While experts may disagree on whether it is necessary to test visible mold, it is hard to find someone who doesn’t think that if you suspect mold, but don’t see it, your home should be tested. Mold grows in damp or poorly ventilated areas and may remain hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in ceilings. If you suspect mold, it is important to sample your air quality to check for mold spores and other contaminants. Both of which may be affecting you or your family’s health.

If you smell a musty smell or have had water damage, it is a good idea to contact a mold professional. Working with a trained professional can put your mind at ease. They will be able to test your air to determine if there is mold present in places you can’t see. If there is mold present, the right company, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys, can take care of the existing mold and make sure that mold doesn’t continue to spread through your home. Without mold removal and a change to the conditions that originally allowed the mold to grow, mold rarely, if ever, goes away on its own. Working with a trusted company means that the affected area will be completely and correctly treated.

Is Your AC the Perfect Machine to Keep Mold Out of Your Home?

2026-08-13T00:00:00.05Z

In late summer and early fall it is hot and humid here in New Jersey. Many homeowners’ mold issues are driven by high outdoor humidity, heavy storms, and closed-up air-conditioned homes that trap moisture indoors. Mold is not a slow-moving problem; it can start growing in hot weather within 24 to 48 hours. Some people believe air conditioner can create mold problems while others believe they can solve them. Who is right? The answer is both.

Modern electrical air conditioning was invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier. Carrier built his system to control humidity at a printing plant in Brooklyn, New York. Modern air conditioning units are very advanced compared to Carrier’s original design, but they have basic principles in common. Air conditioning units help prevent room mold by pulling water from the air and lowering indoor humidity. The problem is that the moisture pulled from the air can facilitate mold growth inside the unit itself if parts stay wet and dirty.

An air-conditioned home with good airflow helps reduce the chance of damp spots forming on walls and floors. The lower humidity level created by the air conditioning unit can keep mold at bay since, in most situations, keeping indoor humidity below 60% stops mold from growing.

To get the best results from your air conditioning unit, keep these tips in mind. First, set the fan to auto. The reason this is helpful is it lets the fan turn off with the cooling cycle so coils can dry. Next, make sure to clean the filters regularly. When you change your air filters on a regular basis you can block dust from settling in an area. Mold needs organic matter to grow so removing dust makes mold growth more difficult. Lastly, make sure to check drains in the unit. The condensation line needs to be clean and clear for the unit to work properly.

While air conditioning units can do a great deal to reduce the risk of mold in your house, when not maintained properly, they can increase the chance of mold. Your air conditioning unit contains wet dark spaces. The evaporator coils within the unit and the drain pans trap moisture. This moisture can facilitate mold growth. If you have blocked drain tubes, water can back up and breed mold. When you combine that moisture with a dirty fan you can blow mold into your room, allowing spores to land in rooms and reproduce.

Keeping your air conditioning unit in good working order can go a long way to keeping mold out of your home. However, even homes that have properly maintained units can have a problem. If there is a persistent musty or earthy odor, discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors, or if you see black, green, white, or brown spots these could be indications you have a mold problem. Peeling paint, warped drywall, or water stains can also signal excess moisture that encourages mold growth. Promptly investigating moisture issues and addressing any suspected mold can help prevent further damage and protect your home's indoor air quality. If you have reason to suspect there is mold in your home, contact Mold Solutions by Cowleys to protect the health of you and your family.

Have We Always Worried This Much About Mold?

2026-07-14T00:00:00.05Z

Mold, as a life form, has naturally existed on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Our relationship with mold has changed over the years from not understanding it, to revering it, to fearing it. Mold has become an important part of our everyday lives but encounters with the wrong kind of mold can lead to serious medical issues.

In ancient times a variety of different civilizations used mold for medical purposes. The Chinese and Egyptians used moldy bread and soybean products as remedies to treat infected wounds. In more recent history, in 1928 the Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming made the official scientific discovery of life saving penicillin in his London laboratory.

Historical interactions with mold were not always positive. In the 1920s, moldy livestock feed led to a severe agricultural crisis. Moldy sweet clover fed to cows led herds of cattle to spontaneously hemorrhage and die. While the dangers of mold may have been known for many years, it was not until the 1990’s when the discussion of the harmful effects of mold really became a topic of conversation across the country. The public panic surrounding indoor "toxic mold," specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, was sparked by the publication of several controversial studies linking mold exposure to infant pulmonary hemorrhages. While some of the veracity of these studies has been questioned, the studies did help to bring to light the possible dangers of indoor mold.

By the early 2000’s the mainstream medical and scientific communities established a more definitive consensus on mold. The National Academy of Sciences officially released a report linking indoor mold exposure to respiratory illnesses, coughing, wheezing, and aggravated asthma. What that means is mold found in homes poses serious health risks to occupants, especially those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Mold releases tiny spores into the air that can be inhaled. Once inhaled, these spores cause symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure to mold may worsen respiratory conditions and lead to more severe health complications for sensitive individuals.

In addition to its effects on human health, mold can cause significant damage to the structure of a home by eroding building materials. Mold thrives in damp environments and can grow on drywall, wood, insulation, carpeting, and other surfaces. As the mold spreads, it can weaken building materials, compromising the integrity of the property if left untreated.

While we have known for a while that mold is a problem, we are now much better equipped to deal with it properly. In the past, any material that had mold on it would be physically removed from the home. While in theory this is a good idea, in practice, when the items were removed it often sent mold spores into the air allowing them to reestablish in another location. When it comes to mold removal, working with a specialist that uses a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic bioremediation solution (like Mold Solutions by Cowleys), is the best option for your family's health and safety.

What is the Best Method of Killing Mold?

2026-06-19T00:00:00.05Z

Have you looked online for the best methods to get rid of mold? Your answers probably range from “natural remedies” to bizarre chemical concoctions and everything in between. There are many different methods of getting rid of mold and some work better than others.

Vinegar is often considered a good tool for killing mold because it can penetrate porous surfaces and reach the mold's roots. Mold can have deep roots especially on materials such as wood, drywall, and grout. Vinegar can soak into porous materials and kill several different mold species. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps eliminate mold and reduce the chance of future growth. When articles suggest vinegar for mold removal they usually are referring to distilled white vinegar with at least 5% acidity.

Another reason many people suggest vinegar is they believe it is safer and a more environmentally friendly option than bleach or other harsh chemicals. Their thought is it produces fewer harsh fumes than bleach and does not release toxic gases when used properly. Because it is biodegradable and commonly available, vinegar is often recommended as a “natural” and practical mold treatment for routine cleaning and prevention.

While vinegar is touted on many sites, bleach is considered by some to be superior to vinegar for killing mold because it is a powerful disinfectant that can quickly eliminate mold spores on non-porous surfaces. Tile, glass, bathtubs, and countertops can be sanitized with bleach, helping to prevent mold from spreading. Compared to many other substances, bleach has strong antimicrobial properties, which makes it a popular choice for cleaning visible mold and restoring surfaces to a sanitary condition.

People who favor bleach will also argue that bleach has the added advantage of removing mold stains and discoloration. Mold often leaves dark marks that can remain even after the mold itself has been killed. Bleach not only destroys many mold spores on the surface, but also whitens and brightens affected areas, improving their appearance. For homeowners concerned with both sanitation and aesthetics, bleach can provide faster and more noticeable results than vinegar.

While bleach and vinegar may be useful tools when there is a small spot of mold on your bathroom tile or on the grout in your shower, if you have a mold issue in your home, DIY is not the best way to go. To take care of a mold problem correctly you really do need professional remediation.

Be aware, not all professional mold remediation is the same. Traditional mold remediation calls for ripping out all materials that have mold (drywall, studs, framing, etc.) and replacing them with new material. This is costly, time-consuming and could be dangerous. Moving materials that have mold on them can allow mold spores to become airborne which can cause additional health problems in your home. Unless the materials have true structural damage, the best remediation is done with Non-Toxic Bioremediation mold solution which allows building materials to stay in place while mold is destroyed. Working with a company like Mold Solutions by Cowleys can ensure that your mold problem is taken care of quickly and safely.

How to Prevent Mold This Summer

2026-05-15T00:00:00.05Z

New Jersey summers are notoriously humid, especially in July and August. The high humidity is often driven by warm air from the Atlantic and Gulf settling in our area. Along with the discomfort of sticky, humid weather that we experience in the summer, this time of year is when the chance for mold growth in your home may increase. So, what can a homeowner do in May to prevent mold growth this summer? There are a number of steps that you can take now that will significantly decrease your chance of mold issues later in the summer.

The bottom line in preventing mold growth in your house is controlling moisture. Mold needs moisture, the right temperature, and a food source, such as wood, paper, or fabric, to grow. Because mold thrives in damp environments, a good starting point is to make sure areas of your home that are prone to moisture have good ventilation. While you may find high humidity levels anywhere in your home, rooms that are particularly prone to high humidity levels are bathrooms and kitchens. Using existing exhaust fans or installing them if they are not already in your home, can go a long way in reducing moisture. Make sure to use these fans whenever you are cooking or showering. It is also important to know where the fan is releasing the exhaust. If the fan is simply sending the humid air back into another area of the house, consider having new fans installed.

Another important tool in keeping your home mold free is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are particularly effective in spaces with persistent moisture. These areas can range from basements to bedrooms, depending on the house. The right dehumidifier, when working properly, can keep humidity in a room below 50%, which significantly reduces the chances of mold growth.

The winter can really wreak havoc on homes in our area. Now that the weather is nicer, it is a good time to do an inspection of your house. As best you can, check your roof, and windows, to see if there are leaks. Try to address any water damage promptly, because even small, unnoticed leaks can create ideal situation for mold growth. Although the winter weather does not necessarily affect inside leaks this is still a good time to check under sinks, behind appliances, around air conditioning units, and in bathrooms for plumbing leaks.

While even immaculately kept homes can have mold problems, cleaning can play a role in keeping mold at bay. When at all possible, wipe down surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as shower tiles, sinks, and windowsills. If you can wipe them down with a mold-inhibiting cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar that is even better.

While prevention can go a long way to avoid mold, mold problems can still occur. If you think you are experiencing a mold issue reach out to us right away, before the issue gets worse.

Can Mold in Schools be Harmful?

2026-04-14T00:00:00.05Z

With the introduction of block scheduling in many areas, older students may be in a single room for 90 minutes, while the youngest children in a school or a day care setting, may literally be in the same room almost all day. This is particularly problematic because classrooms tend to be small, enclosed areas with limited air flow where children and teachers continuously breathe in the same air. If mold is present in the classroom, it can trigger health issues with children, especially those with pre-existing allergies or respiratory problems.

Breathing in mold-laden air is not good for anyone, but children are particularly susceptible. Indoor mold exposure, particularly in damp buildings, is a major risk factor for adverse health issues in children. Inhalation of mold has been associated with worsening asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues. Children are more vulnerable to mold than adults due to their higher air inhalation rates. After being exposed to mold, many children experience symptoms like wheezing, persistent coughs, chronic fatigue, and skin rashes.

While spring is a season in which we see a great number of people suffer from the effects of outdoor allergens, like pollen, your child’s sneezing and other problems might have another cause. Like pollen, mold spores can also act as allergens, causing allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing), itchy and watery eyes, as well as skin rashes. Some people have even experienced neurological issues like fatigue, headaches, and sometimes issues with concentration.

While many of these issues will go away when the child is removed from the effected area, it is believed there could be long term effects. Research shows that infants and young children who are continuously in a room with visible mold are significantly more likely to develop asthma by age seven.

So, what do you do if you suspect that there could be mold in your child’s classroom? Staying silent is not going to make the problem go away. Reach out to someone who can listen to your concerns and act on them. With older children this may be a principle, with younger children this may be the director of the school or day care center.

When you speak to them, make sure you explain exactly why you feel there could be a mold problem. It may be beneficial to give the school information about how best to have mold removed safely. While many janitorial staff members are excellent at their job, they have not been extensively trained in mold removal. Having them remove the mold could lead to more mold spores being released into the air, compromising their safety and the safety of other people in the school.

When dealing with mold, the best option is to use a company that ensures that all employees are licensed and certified by the Department of Environmental Protection and are continuously trained on a weekly basis in safety, and the latest, most effective mold methodologies. It is also good to look for a company that is a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys!

Historic New Jersey Homes Not Immune to Mold

2026-03-16T00:00:00.05Z

New Jersey is a treasure trove of history. Historically significant and beautifully restored historic buildings and homes dot the landscape. Unfortunately, classic homes are not immune from the problems associated with mold. When it comes to mold removal in older homes the traditional form of remediation, which includes ripping out building materials, can strip the home of its historical integrity. Leaving mold to fester is not an option either because mold left unchecked can lead to structural issues. If you have a historic home, or you simply have a home that has features that are significant to you, here are some important things to consider when researching mold remediation.

If you are concerned about aspects of your home like decorative molding, floorboards, wood paneling, and wainscoting, DIY methods of mold remediation are not right for you. The DIY methods you read about online, like washing down surfaces with bleach, may remove some of the easily seen mold, but will not penetrate deep into moldy areas and the chance of the mold returning is likely. In addition to DIY methods seldom working to keep mold permanently away, DIY methods can be dangerous. When you interact with the mold through scrubbing you are helping to put more mold spores into the air.

The most important step in mold remediation is choosing the right remediation company, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys! Having important decorative and structural elements of your home removed is not the only way to permanently get rid of mold, in fact, it isn’t even the best way. We utilize an EPA-registered antimicrobial that kills mold, help prevent its return, and allow mold to be removed without destroying your home.

The application is called Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions, or MAPS for short. The way this system works is professionally trained technicians will treat an area of your home with the EPA-registered antimicrobial, MAPS 1. This treatment will kill the surface mold. The next step is they will use a patented sealant, MAPS 2. This next treatment ensures the existing mold is completely destroyed. The sealant will reactivate in the future when it is exposed to water or moisture. This reactivation prevents the return of any new mold growth in the treated areas. Because we understand that the esthetics of your house are important to you, we will also wipe down the surfaces to remove the visible mold growth.

In addition to using the sealant, we will help you to reduce the chances of mold returning by inspecting your home to find the source of the humidity issues. In some cases the use of a dehumidifier can be extremely helpful not just for the immediate area where the mold was found, but also in other areas of your home.

Mold can come in all colors and shapes, and all mold is potentially a health hazard. Keep your family and your home safe by working with us.

Flood From Above Causes Mold in the Bathroom in Brielle, NJ

2026-03-06T12:38:15.05Z

After inspecting the ceiling, we realized that the structural integrity of the sheetrock was compromised and full of mold. Due to that, we had to perform a full-on mold remediation and tear-out. Once all of the contaminated materials were removed and disposed of properly, we treated the entire bathroom with MAPS 1. MAPS 1 is an EPA registered antimicrobial solution that's going to attack mold at its DNA and kill it immediately. After that, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed any and all mold stains throughout the bathroom.

Once all of that was completed we applied MAPS 2 throughout the area. MAPS 2 is a patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergenic. It's also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

All This Snow Can Lead to Mold In Your Home

2026-02-17T00:00:00.05Z

Spring will be here soon, but we may still be dealing with the aftermath of all that snow well into the time that the flowers start to bloom. With large amounts of snowfall this winter there are a few steps you should take around your home before we start to see the flowers bloom, to help keep mold from your home.

There were a few storms already this winter that included significant snowfall. When snow piles up against foundations, roofs, and siding, there can be serious problems when it melts. When the snow liquifies, the water can seep into basements, crawl spaces, and foundation cracks. The large amounts of snow that melt on your roof can back up under roof shingles forcing your shingles to shift and excess moisture to accumulate. Once moisture gets into walls, insulation, roofing materials, or other parts of your home it can take a lot longer than you would expect to dry. The reduced amount of sunlight during the day and the colder temperatures mean that moisture can stick around for a while.

Even before the beginning of spring, you should check for the early warning signs of a mold issue. You will need to use many of your senses when it comes to finding mold. First, use your eyes. Do you see any spots around the house that were not there before? Look for water rings that slowly grow over time. Check the baseboards, especially if you have them in the basement, for dark spots. These spots can be on the baseboards themselves or slightly above them indicating that they may originate behind the baseboard. Look for yellow, brown or gray patches on walls and ceilings. Remember, mold is not always black. Unfortunately, due to all the talk about “black mold,” white and light gray molds are often overlooked which can be dangerous.

Next, use your nose. Go into your attic, basement, and up against exterior walls, do you smell a musty odor? Many people say that mold smells “musty” or “earthy.” If you are noticing this smell, especially when the snow melts or on warmer winter days, this is a very good indication that you could have a mold problem.

Lastly, use your sense of touch. Put on latex gloves and touch your walls. Does the drywall feel spongy or soft? When you rub your hand across the wall does the paint lift? Does it feel like the wall is warped in any area? These are all signs that there could be moisture trapped behind the surface which is creating the perfect habitat for mold.

If you go through these steps, and think you might have mold, there are a few things you should do. First, if you have a dehumidifier use it. If there is still snow on the ground, move it away from your home’s foundation. Look at your roof and check the gutters for ice blockages. Although these are all important steps, if you think that you have a mold issue the best thing to do is to give us a call. We can inspect your whole house, get rid of the current mold, and help you devise a plan to make sure the mold does not return.

Mold Forming in the Corner of the Office in Freehold, NJ

2025-12-23T10:50:23.05Z

Since mold was growing underneath the rug and other areas, with the owner's permission, we removed and disposed of all the contaminated materials properly. Once we were finished, we treated all the affected areas with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 attacks mold at it's DNA and kills it immediately!

Next, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains. Lastly, we applied our patented sealant called MAPS 2, which encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. The bonus of MAPS 2 is that it's moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

Keep Yourself Safe from Mold This Holiday Season

2025-12-15T00:00:00.05Z

This is the time of year when many of us are traveling non-stop. There are some pests that can be picked up and transported home during travels (bed bugs are notorious hitch hikers), but is mold able to do that as well? Here are some important facts to know about mold to keep your family safe this holiday season.

Although we might find this fact off-putting, mold spores are all around us all the time. Mold does not need to travel home in a bag from Grandma’s house, because it is likely already in your home. Microscopic mold spores are present in the air. In nature, this is very important. Mold breaks down organic matter which returns nutrients to the soil. Outside, mold is imperative for a healthy eco-system. In your home, mold wants to do the same thing. It wants to break down organic matter. Unfortunately, the organic matter in our homes, like wooden studs and drywall, are important both aesthetically and structurally.

What takes mold spores from simply being in your home to growing in your home is having the right conditions. Mold has to have very specific needs met in order to grow. If you want to make sure mold does not grow in your home, you need to make your home inhospitable to mold.

Mold needs moisture to grow. Moisture in your home can come from a variety of places: cooking, showering, and drying laundry can all create an excessive amount of moisture in the air. Another sneaky culprit, for adding moisture, is leaky pipes. Just a small leak can create enough moisture for mold to grow.

It's recommended that you keep the relative humidity level in your house between 30% and 50%, when it is over 60% mold grows more easily. While many homes stay at this level in the winter due to the way we heat our houses, there could be some areas where the humidity levels go above 60%. Running an exhaust fan in your bathroom during and after showering can help keep your humidity level down. Another important place for an exhaust fan is in your kitchen.
Unfortunately for us, mold likes to grow in the same basic temperature range that we keep our homes, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mold can grow in temperatures as low as 32 degrees and as high as 95 degrees, so trying to adjust your home’s temperature just to reduce the chance of mold is not very beneficial.

The last condition mold needs to grow is a food source. You simple can not starve mold out of your home. There are too many items within your home that are susceptible to mold. Mold needs organic matter, and in your home that can be found in a variety of places from drywall and insulation to fibers in your rug.

If you find mold in your home, don’t spend time worrying about how the spores got into your home, worry about how to get rid of it quickly. When mold feeds on organic materials the colony expands, creating more mold spores. These new spores can travel through the air and settle in new damp areas of your home. This means that not only will the initial mold colony grow, new mold colonies will begin to form in other areas of your home. If you find mold, contact Mold Solutions by Cowleys! We can both get rid of the existing mold, as well as help you create a plan to keep mold from growing in the future.

Dreading Going Into Your Crawl Space?

2025-11-17T00:00:00.05Z

Do you go into, or even near, your crawl space to get out seasonal items? Are you dreading going near the crawl space because you don’t like the smell and you are afraid of the creepy-crawly critters that seem to always be hiding there? You are not alone. Crawl spaces are notorious for having musty smells and being a haven for pests, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Even if you don’t use your crawl space at all, if your home has a crawl space, you should think about crawl space encapsulation.

If your crawl space smells musty, and it is a refuge for pests, there is a good chance you have a moisture and mold problem. If you rarely or never go into the crawl space, you might not see the need to do anything about this, but that would be a mistake. There is a very good reason to take care of your crawl space problem. The air in your crawl space circulates through your home, so if there is mold in your crawl space, you are likely breathing unhealthy air.

The reason that the mold spores from your crawl space can make their way into the other parts of your home is due to something called the “stack effect." The stack effect is the name given to the process by which air flows through your house. Hot air leaves your home by rising up and exiting through your attic and upper levels. When the hot air leaves your home, a vacuum is created, which pulls new air upwards through the basement, crawl space, and lower levels.
Because of this air movement, up to 40% of the air you breathe, inside the livable areas of your home, could come from the crawl space. This could be a real problem if the air in your crawl space is filled with allergens such as mold spores, dust mite droppings, and pest excrement. In the past, the thought was that ventilating a crawl space would stop this problem. But there are many issues with ventilation. What has been found through more research is that ventilation is not the best option, encapsulation is.

Crawl space encapsulation is the method of making your crawl space protected from excessive outside moisture and pests which involves adding a high-quality vapor barrier, wall insulation, and a drainage system. When done correctly, encapsulation can make a significant difference in the air quality throughout the house. Unfortunately, if it is done incorrectly, it may make matters worse. If the wrong vapor barrier is used, or it is installed incorrectly, there is a potential for more moisture to get trapped in your crawl space. Trapped moisture can lead to an increase in mold related problems.

Crawl space encapsulation has many benefits. It eliminates excessive moisture which creates better air quality. The lack of moisture also helps reduce the chance of moisture damaging structural components of your home, like the floor joists. Pests are drawn to moisture rich areas, so with drier air in your crawl space there will be less critters. Lastly, after crawl space encapsulation many homeowners have seen up to a 20% reduction in energy costs. Having a reputable crawl space encapsulation company, like us, inspect your home and explain your options is a very good decision.

Did Terrifying Stories about Toxic Mold Make Mold Even More Dangerous?

2025-10-15T00:00:00.05Z

Some stories, in newspapers and online, about mold have gone from the realm of scary to unbelievable. Unfortunately, when people hear some of these outlandish claims their response is to think that everything they hear about mold is fake or exaggerated. Don’t be misled, mold can be dangerous. So, what should you believe about mold?

Mold is all around us, both inside and outside. Mold can be beneficial, mold helps turn leaves to soil, and mold can be harnessed for medicine, like penicillin. However, it is a safe guess that if mold is growing in your home, it is not beneficial. The real question is, just how harmful is it?

There are a wide variety of different types of molds. Different molds can produce different symptoms in different people. The most common reaction to inhaling or touching the spores that mold releases into the air is an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, or a skin rash. In people who are susceptible, mold exposure can cause greater reactions like asthma attacks, sever coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness. Unfortunately, some of the scary articles you read about mold could be true. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases even death.

So, what do you do as a homeowner. First, don’t panic. Don’t lie awake at night obsessing about whether there could be undetected “toxic” mold in your home. The anxiety from speculation isn’t worth it. Instead, if you have any reason to believe there might be mold in your home, contact a reputable mold specialist.

Mold detection, identification, and removal is not something you want to take on as a DIY project. Although there are plenty of tutorials on the internet, if you want to ensure that mold is dealt with properly, have Mold Solutions by Cowleys do it. Many people find mold in their home and send a sample off for identification. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, sampling alone seldom provides all the necessary information to evaluate the extent of a mold and moisture problem. To properly test for mold, it is important for a professional to visually inspect the areas suspected of having mold. Many homeowners assume they know what mold looks like. Anything black, green or fuzzy must be mold, right? Wrong. There are mold imposters, which are various types of discolorations that look like mold, but, in fact, aren’t.

A good inspector knows not only what to look for but also where to look. They will pay special attention to floors, ceilings, and the corners of rooms, and look for areas where moisture can be present. A good inspector, like us, also looks throughout the entire home, not just in the regularly used living spaces. Mold can be found in hidden areas like the basement, crawl space, and attic. Mold spores can then be disseminated through the house though air ducts. Meaning even if you are not in those areas, you can be affected by the mold in them.

Don't Forgo the Inspection When Buying a Home

2025-09-16T00:00:00.05Z

In this crazy real estate market, many people are forgoing home inspections to guarantee securing the house they want. They may see a little mold during the walk-through but write it off as unimportant. A little mold in your house doesn’t matter if it is not black mold, right? Wrong! Black mold has gotten the reputation of being the “scary mold” that everyone needs to be on the look-out for, but other types of molds can be just as serious of an issue as black mold. According to the Cleveland Clinic “black mold isn’t any more dangerous than any other types of mold.” So, what do you need to know about mold to keep yourself and your family safe?

Mold occurs naturally both inside and outside of our homes. In some instances, mold is very beneficial. Outside mold plays an important role in decomposition and recycling of nutrients. Humans have harnessed the benefit of mold to make medications like penicillin. But it is safe to assume that if you find mold growing in your home it is doing way more harm than good.

How would you know if mold was growing in your home? There are some tell-tale signs that your home has mold. First, you may see mold growing. Mold often looks like fuzzy, slimy, or powdery patches that are black, white, green, or brown. In some situations, these patches will be in easily visible areas, but more likely they will be found in areas that are dark with a high humidity level, like in a sink cabinet. If you are looking for mold in your home make sure to check under sinks, in the bathroom, and under appliances.

You may also be able to detect mold through your sense of smell. Mold creates microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). These compounds create an unpleasant smell that is often described as “musty.” Another way your nose may help you to identify mold is it may become runny. In people who are susceptible to mold allergies, their immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation in their nose, eyes and lungs when mold spores are present. Even people who do not have these allergies can still experience irritation from mVOCs.

It is often difficult for an untrained person to find the source of a mold issue. It can also be unsafe for an untrained person to remove mold from their home. So, what is the best option for homeowners? Work with a trained and licensed mold removal specialist, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys! Have your home inspected so you know there is no mold. If mold is found, have it remediated. Having your house inspected and remediated by us may save you both time and money in the long run. Today, there is patented technology that allows mold specialists to safely and efficiently remove mold from surfaces without destroying those surfaces. What this means in a practical sense is you may not have to re-drywall a room or add new supports in your attic like you may have had to do in the past. This saves you both time and money and makes your house safer for you and your family.

In the Battle of Mold Verses Bleach, Who Will Win?

2025-08-18T00:00:00.05Z

In many DIY videos and tutorials, you will see bleach used to kill mold. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mentions using it on their website under the mold clean-up section, whereas the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website states that bleach is not recommended as a routine practice for mold cleanup. So, does bleach really alleviate a mold problem in a house? The answer is a little nuanced. Depending on the scope of the mold problem, bleach can be helpful, but it is extremely important to note that bleach is not a cure-all for all mold issues and in some instances the use of bleach can be very harmful.

Bleach works on mold by denaturing proteins and breaking down their cellular components. It is the active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, that reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, which disrupts mold cells. When used correctly, bleach can kill mold on contact. However, bleach is often not the best solution for mold removal, especially on porous surfaces like wood or drywall, because the bleach can't penetrate to the roots of the mold. The best application for bleach is if there is a very small area of mold on a non-porous surface. If you choose to use bleach in this situation, make sure to take precautions.

The news is filled with scary stories about the health issues related to mold, but there are health concerns with bleach as well. Bleach can burn and irritate eyes and skin. Direct contact with bleach can cause a nasty chemical burn and bleach fumes can irritate and even damage your throat or lungs. Accidentally mixing bleach with other cleaning agents can create a toxic gas that can spread in your home. When it comes to using bleach to get rid of mold, sometimes the cure is worse than the poison.

When bleach is used it may not be able to penetrate to the root of the mold, if that happens the mold will inevitably return. Luckily, bleach is not the only choice in the mold removal arsenal. There are now EPA approved antimicrobials that kill mold. These antimicrobials can be applied using a fogger. This allows the solution to spread deep into even hard-to-reach corners, as well as tiny cracks and crevices. Unlike bleach, this treatment works well on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Once the antimicrobial is used the surface can be treated with a polymer sealant. This will ensure the treatment stays active for years and keep the mold away.

Although safe for your family when applied properly, the antimicrobial and sealant are only allowed to be administered by companies that are licensed to apply EPA-registered fungicides. When looking for a company to remove mold from your home, it is important to ask if they are qualified to use this kind of technology. We at Mold Solutions at Cowleys are qualified to do just that!

So, to answer the question of who will win in the battle between bleach and mold, in the case of a very small, and newly growing area of mold, bleach may have a chance to win, but in most cases mold will prevail. If you want to make sure mold loses the battle, work with us who use a patented mold treatment and prevention system.

Is Mold in Your Hummingbird Feeder Harming the Birds in Your Yard?

2025-07-30T00:00:00.05Z

While bird feeders with plenty of seeds are a great way to attract many birds, to get a glimpse of a hummingbird you need a different strategy. Hummingbirds feed on nectar so there are two ways to attract them to your yard. The first is by planting certain flowers, like trumpet vine, that can attract them, the other is to fill up a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbird feeders have the advantage of being able to be hung in a variety of places in your yard, the disadvantage is, if you are not careful, hummingbird feeders can be a great breeding ground for mold.

Mold is found in nature so why is it a problem for hummingbirds? Although there is mold found in nature, some molds create serious problems. For example, the mold candidiasis, can make a hummingbird’s tongue swell, preventing them from eating. Other molds can also have negative effects and the sugary mixture used in hummingbird feeders, combined with warm temperatures, can allow mold to grow quickly. So what should you do if you suspect mold? Clean the feeder carefully.

Mold has the potential to be a serious health issue for both birds and humans so you should protect yourself when cleaning the feeder. When searching for humming bird feeders it is best to buy ones that you can take apart so you can access all the inner nooks and crannies for cleaning. It is wise to wear disposable nitrile gloves when cleaning. You will want to start by emptying the feeder completely. Next, rinse the feeder with hot water. After you rinse the feeder, soak it in a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts water. When the feeder has soaked for a while, scrub all the surfaces thoroughly, with the help of a bottle brush or a pipe cleaner. Make sure to pay special attention to small crevices and feeding ports as mold is often found in these places. Once you finished scrubbing, rinse with clean water. Continue rinsing until you can no longer detect the odor of vinegar. When you no longer smell the vinegar you can refill the feeder with fresh food and return it the outside. Unless the mold situation is severe, you should avoid using soap or bleach. If you feel you must use them, rinse thoroughly to make sure absolutely no residue is left behind.

Keeping hummingbird feeders on your property is a time commitment. The recommended guidelines for cleaning and refilling the feeder is every three days in cool weather, every two days warm weather, and every day in hot weather. The environment plays a big role in how quickly mold can grow. You can’t change the environment outside where you bird feeders are, but you can change your home’s environment to reduce the chance of mold. Keeping the humidity down and removing excess water (like that found in a leaky sink) can have a major impact on mold growth. If you are concerned about potential mold in your home, it is important to work with a company that both removes the mold, and helps you find ways to keep it from returning, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys!

Are Your Actions Actually Encouraging Mold?

2025-06-13T00:00:00.05Z

While summer is a favorite season for many of us here in New Jersey, not very many people enjoy the really humid days that are inevitable. You might not love the humidity, but do you know what loves heat and humidity? If you guessed mold, you are right. While you can’t change the weather, here are a few steps you can take to keep mold growth to a minimum in your home.

Close the windows! It is so refreshing to throw open the windows when you hear rain is coming. That cool breeze coming into the house may feel so good, but the humid air that those open windows are allowing to come in can help to aid mold growth. To inhibit mold growth, it is best to keep the moisture level in your rooms constantly between 30 percent and 50 percent humidity. The best ways to keep the moisture at that level is to use central air conditioning (AC). If your house is not equipped with central AC, there are still a number of steps you can take to reduce moisture and mold growth. Consider investing in dehumidifiers. It can be especially beneficial to have them in the basement, attic and bathrooms. Fans are another important piece of equipment. It is helpful to keep air flowing because mold is attracted to stagnant air.

If you have central air conditioning you are not out of the woods when it comes to mold. Sometimes running the air conditioner on high for long periods of time can allow condensation to build within the air ducts. This condensation can lead to mold growth. Once in the air ducts, mold spores can spread throughout your home and trigger allergies. It is important to check your ducts for condensation if your air conditioner has been working over-time.

This next step is annoying but true, keeping your bathroom shower clean can reduce the chance of mold growth. Cleaning a bathroom is not fun, but it is an important part of your mold prevention arsenal. Soap scum, body oils, and other organic materials found in showers create a food source for mold spores. Mold can actually feed on the soap scum that is not cleaned away. Combine food source from the soap scum with the humid climate found in a bathroom and you can have a perfect area for mold to thrive.

Mold may sound like a very scary word, but it really doesn’t have to be. If you have tried these steps, and there is still mold in your home, don’t worry. When you work with the right mold remediation specialist, like us, your problem can be resolved quickly, with little disturbance to your family. Best of all, we will be able to work with you to find the root cause of your mold problem and stop it from coming back in the future.Our Mold Polymer Patented Technology consists of two different applications. One application kills mold in your home while the second seals the surface where the mold was to prevent future mold growth.

Several Leaky Pipes Leads to a Big Mold Problem in Trenton, NJ

2025-03-06T15:33:10.05Z

During a winter inspection for a Home Protection Plan customer in Trenton, NJ one of our pest control technicians found a large abundance of mold growing throughout the crawl space. They informed the owner who remembered that he had a few leaky pipes in his crawl space, but never got around to fixing it. After seeing the massive mold growth, he immediately called a plumber! Once the plumber repaired all the leaky pipes the owner called Mold Solutions and we were sent out.

Joists in the Crawl Space Has Mold On It in Far Hills, NJ

2025-01-17T15:53:51.05Z

One of the technicians from our Pest Control Division spotted mold in this customer's crawl space, so we were sent out to inspect and confirm. Before we began inspecting the area, we immediately knew that there was a LOT of humidity in the crawl space. Sure enough, our hygrometer confirmed it! This was why there was so much mold growth on the joists!

Finished Basement Floods & Mold Begins to Grow in Jackson, NJ

2024-10-02T12:40:39.05Z

This customer in Jackson, NJ had a massive flood in his finished basement from a rain storm. Although he was able to dry out his basement, black mold started to grow. After researching local mold removal companies, he came across Mold Solutions by Cowleys, called our office, and we were sent out.

Unfortunately, after inspecting the basement from top to bottom, the mold growth was so bad that a majority of the sheetrock had lost its structural integrity and needed to be removed.

Mold Building Up in the Crawl Space in Freehold, NJ

2024-10-02T12:15:06.05Z

First, we removed all the contaminated items in the crawl space and disposed of them. Afterward, we treated the entire crawl space with our EPA antimicrobial, MAPS 1. MAPS stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions and this solution attacks mold at its DNA and kills it immediately. Once that was completed, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains. Next, we applied MAPS 2.

MAPS 2 is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth. Lastly, to control the high humidity levels in the basement, we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona commercial grade dehumidifier. These dehumidifiers cost less to run than other dehumidifiers, cover over 3000 square feet, and are energy efficient.

Boiler Room Full of Mold in Fair Haven, NJ

2024-05-29T15:15:36.05Z

The first thing we did was treat the entire boiler room and, at the owners' request, the neighboring room with an EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. MAPS stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solution and this application targets mold at its DNA and immediately kills it. Once we finished, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away any and all mold stains.

Finally, we treated all the affected areas with MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergenic. The best part of MAPS 2 is that whenever it gets wet, it will reactivate to prevent any future mold growth.

Mold Grows Throughout Flooded Basement in Rumson, NJ

2024-04-24T09:13:26.05Z

So we removed all the contaminated materials and disposed of them properly. Next, we treated every single square inch of the basement with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. MAPS 1 is designed to attack mold at its DNA and kill it immediately. Once that was completed, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed any and all mold stains. Next, we applied MAPS 2.

MAPS 2 is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless, inert, and non-allergenic. It's also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth. Lastly, we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona dehumidifier. This dehumidifier cost less to run than other dehumidifiers, covers over 3000 square feet, are energy efficient, and will properly control the humidity levels in the basement.

Massive Amount of Mold in the Laundry Room in Allenhurst, NJ

2023-10-05T11:18:43.05Z

The mold growth was so bad that a majority of the sheetrock, insulation, and wooden beams needed to be removed and properly disposed of. Once all the contaminated materials were removed and carefully disposed of, we treated the affected areas with our EPA registered antimicrobial called MAPS 1. This solution attacks mold at its DNA and immediately kills it. Afterward, we applied our mold stain remover and scrubbed away all the mold stains.

Lastly, we applied MAPS 2, which is our patented sealant that encapsulates the surface mold is growing on and renders it harmless and non-allergic. MAPS 2 is also moisture sensitive and will reactivate whenever it gets wet to prevent any future mold growth.

A Lot of Mold Growth After the Basement Flooded in Freehold, NJ

2023-09-26T13:30:44.05Z

As this customer in Freehold, NJ, returned home after spending some time away on a family vacation, she was shocked and horrified to find out that her basement got flooded! Although her and her husband were able to get all the water out, the damage had been done as black mold started to grow throughout the basement! Since she had previously used Cowleys for a Pest Control service and knew that we also have a Mold Division, she called our office for help and we were sent out.

As soon as we began our inspection, we noticed that there was mold everywhere! Behind the wood paneling, on the ceiling, in the insulation, and even on the joists! Unfortunately, a lot of the insulation, wood paneling, and other materials were so contaminated that they needed to be removed and disposed of ASAP. We mentioned this to the owner, to which she agreed and we went right to work!

Moldy Attic Pauses the Sale of a Home in Cranbury, NJ

2023-07-05T13:00:11.05Z

After years of living in Cranbury, NJ, this homeowner decided it was time to sell his home and move to a retirement community. There was just one thing stopping him from selling his home, the excessive mold growth throughout his attic! Since his neighbor had recently used our services and highly recommended us, the homeowner gave us a call and we were sent out.

After a thorough inspection, we determined that the cause of the mold was due to improper ventilation. One of the main causes of mold in an attic is due to poor ventilation. Mold is a living, breathing fungus that multiplies and will continue to spread as long as the conditions in the home remain conducive to mold growth. Fortunately, the homeowner just recently had an attic fan installed, so the cause of the mold has been addressed, and all that's left is to remove the mold growth.

Black Mold all Over the Sheetrock in Rumson, NJ

2023-06-07T15:58:14.05Z

While this client in Colts Neck, NJ was away on business, the basement area of his home flooded due to pipe bursting. Since he was gone for a few days, black mold started to develop. Since he used our Pest Control services before, he knew we did mold remediation. So he called our Mold Division and we were sent out.

Although the pipe was repaired, the damage was done. Unfortunately, most of the materials and sheetrock were compromised and had to be removed. In fact, a whole mold remediation was needed.

Mold Growing Under the Rug in Shrewsbury, NJ

2022-07-21T15:17:52.05Z

While this homeowner in Shrewsbury, NJ was away on vacation, unknown to him, the basement area of his home had flooded during a heavy rain storm. Fortunately, his brother-in-law came to check up on the property, saw the water, cleaned it up, and dried out the area. Unfortunately, since the water was standing in the hot basement for quite a while, mold had started to form along the baseboards in one of the rooms. So the owner gave us a call and we were sent out to remove the mold.

During our inspection, we had realized the room in the basement was carpeted and there was a heavy, musty odor in the room. We checked underneath the carpet and discovered even more mold growth underneath it!

Hot Basement Causes Mold to Grow in Allenhurst, NJ

2022-07-21T14:32:02.05Z

As this business owner in Allenhurst, NJ went into the basement of his office building to grab some supplies, he noticed a massive amount of mold growth all over the walls, so he contacted us for help.

Moments into our inspection, using our hygrometer, we determined that the cause of the mold growth was extremely high humidity levels! The average humidity levels in a home or business must be kept between 30-45% in the colder months and 45-55% in the warmer months. Mold can start to grow if the humidity is above 55%. If mold is allowed to grow, it can lead to severe damages to property values and health issues. In addition to mold growth, high levels of humidity will also enhance the growth of allergenic dust mites and health-compromising bacteria.

Mold Remedition in Fair Haven, NJ

2022-07-21T14:00:16.05Z

As this homeowner in Fair Haven, NJ was renovating his property, one of his crewman accidentally cut a water pipe in one of the rooms, which caused it to burst and flood that area. Although he was able to fix the damaged pipe, because the water sat for quite some time, mold had developed. After searching the web for a mold removal company, he found Mold Solutions by Cowleys and called us for an inspection.

Unfortunately, during our inspection, we found out that the mold growth was a lot more severe than the owner originally thought! There was mold all over the walls, the ceiling, and behind the sheetrock! What's worst is, because the mold growth and water damage was so bad, there would be no other option but to tear out all the contaminated materials! The owner agreed and we went right to work.